Danielle "Dani" Phillips

Danielle “Dani” Phillips was a vibrant woman who was full of life each and every day. She was so much fun to be around, often the life of the party with a great sense of humor to boot. Dani was a loyal friend who was a friend for life, someone to weather the storms of life with. Never one to shy away from speaking her mind, there was usually no guessing about where she stood on any issue whether great or small. Dani was social and active, although she also liked being at home where she enjoyed the companionship of her dog, Shady. Although her days numbered far less than many are given, Dani’s impact was no less significant on the world around her and in the hearts of those who held her dear.

The 1970s were a time in American history that was filled with new experiences and opportunities around every corner. It was in the year 1978 that the first portable stereo called the Walkman became available, the first test-tube baby was born, and human insulin was first produced. It was also during this same year that there was great celebration with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, Danielle, on January 11th. Danielle was welcomed into the world by her mother, Cathy “Cat,” in the early morning hours weighing in at eight pounds, eleven ounces. From 1982 forward, Dani, as she was often called, was greatly blessed when the man whom she considered to be her father, Ken Sullivan, became an integral part of her life. Her mother began dating Ken in 1982 and the couple married in 1993. Shortly after exchanging their vows, their family moved to Mattawan when Dani was right around the age of 15.

During her earliest years Dani called the Millwood area home where she lived a pretty typical life for young girls of this generation. When she was just four years old, Dani started doing her own hair and by the age of six, she was picking out all her own clothes. While living in Millwood she played Little League and living an active lifestyle. Dani also did quite a bit of babysitting and with her earnings she learned the tremendous reward in saving money as her savings grew and grew. She attended local schools where she not only received an education, but also satiated her love for being social.

Once she graduated from high school, Dani was ready for what life had to bring. She worked as a dancer in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek area for several years. Dani’s training was as a phlebotomist, however, which she received as a high school student. She put her skills to good use working for the Red Cross.

One of the things that made Dani so special was her genuine heart. When she offered her friendship, she did so with her whole heart and was a friend for life. Dani’s closest friend was a man by the name of Eric Kendiorski and they met at the Red Cross. Perhaps her best friend was her boxer, Shady, who was such an important companion in her life. Dani shared custody of Shady with her longtime good friend, Jeff VanStratten.

There were several things that Dani enjoyed throughout her life. Her mother was very involved in softball leagues, which naturally led to Dani’s enjoyment for the game. She liked to watch movies, but wasn’t real particular as she liked whatever movie she watched. Dani loved eating sushi, although it fell just a bit short of her mom’s meatloaf in Dani’s book! When she wasn’t having her favorite meatloaf, she liked eating out on a regular basis. She enjoyed being social, often partying with her friends and others whom she met here or there. When she was ready to just be at home, Dani loved watching cartoons. In fact, cartoons were pretty much the only thing she watched. She had a diverse pallet of music that she liked including newer hard rock.

Those who knew Danielle “Dani” Phillips found so much to love about such a special woman. She had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around, often the life of the party. Dani liked being in the spotlight and was never afraid to speak her mind. She had a striking smile that was such a welcome sight, and her laughter usually spread to those around her. Dani was dearly loved by so many who will forever treasure her memory. She will be deeply missed.

Danielle “Dani” Phillips of Kalamazoo died on June 8, 2010, at her residence. Dani’s family includes her parents Cathy “Cat” and Ken Sullivan; her natural father, Ricky Nichols. 6 aunts; Corky (Ron) Benny, Cheryl (Jim) Plew, Connie (Kirk) Selig, Kristill (Dan) LaMountain, Melinda (Chris) Defransico, Kim Sullivan; paternal grandparents, Wayne and Jan Sullivan, maternal grandmother, Merridy Lewis; as well as many cousins and nieces and nephews. A service to honor her life will be held Friday 11:30 a.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI, 6080 Stadium Dr. 375-2900 followed by a reception in the Life Story Center. Please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home, share a memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice Care of SW MI.